HOW LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH SHAPE YOUR DEMENTIA RISK
By Vijay Kumar Malesu
New RAND research identifies early predictors of cognitive impairment and dementia using a nationally representative U.S. dataset, highlighting the role of modifiable factors and baseline cognitive health in prevention and intervention strategies.
Report: Identifying Early Predictors of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in a Large Nationally Representative U.S. Sample. Image Credit: Orawan Pattarawimonchai / Shutterstock
A new report published by RAND, the nonprofit research organization, has identified early predictors of cognitive impairment and dementia (a progressive decline in cognitive abilities that interferes with daily functioning) using a large, nationally representative United States (U.S.) sample to enhance early diagnosis, prevention, and resource allocation strategies.
Background
Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependency among older adults, imposing significant financial and emotional burdens on families and healthcare systems globally. Age is the strongest risk factor, but other determinants, including genetics, education, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle, also play critical roles. Recent studies suggest that modifiable factors, such as physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation, can influence the risk of cognitive decline. However, many existing prediction models lack precision and fail to incorporate sufficiently diverse datasets, limiting their effectiveness in early detection and intervention planning. Further research is essential to refine these models, particularly by enhancing generalizability through representative datasets and innovative methodologies.
2024-12-10T04:12:05Z
